Barossa Balloon Adventures invites you to come and share in our passion for hot air ballooning over the Barossa Valley. We have been operating since 1986. Our pilot, Justin, is very experienced. His whole flying career has been flying in the Barossa region. Our reputation for professionalism, excellence and above all, safety are at the heart of our operation. Your safety and enjoyment is our priority. Come and experience the magic and wonder for yourself. We love what we do and we’re sure you’ll love it too !!!
Inclusions
- Introduction and safety briefing
- Approx. 1 hour Sunrise Balloon Flight
- Pilot commentary
- Delicious Barossa breakfast after the flight
- Barossa Coffee Roasters coffee
- Sparkling wine
- Photos & Souvenirs for purchase
- Balloonatics Certificate Presentation
- Approx. 5 hours total time needed
Pre-Flight Check-In
Ballooning is very weather dependent and your flight may be cancelled due to unsuitable weather conditions. Please call our office on 8562 3111 between 5.00 and 5.30pm the evening before your scheduled flight to check if the weather is OK and to confirm the meeting time. If you have any last minute questions about your hot air ballooning experience before you go, now is the time to ask. You will be talking to a human….not a machine!
Next Morning
Meeting Place
Your pilot and crew will meet you approximately 2 hours before sunrise (The time varies throughout the year) at Barossa Balloon Adventures reception centre. The address is 71 Stonewell Road, Nuriootpa (SEE MAP), which is approximately 75km north east of Adelaide, South Australia. More information and directions here…
Once everybody is assembled and signed in, your pilot will give you a briefing before you board our comfortable 4WDs – all with forward facing seats and air-conditioning throughout.
Let’s Go
Now the adventure really begins. We will drive to a strategic spot to check the wind to see which launch site will be the best one to use for the day. The launch site is chosen according to the wind speed and direction. We have a dozen different launch sites around the region available to use. The decision on which one to launch from will be made on site taking into consideration the localised surface winds and the upper gradient winds.
The topography of the landscape also affects the lower level surface winds. This means we may drive as little as 2kms or up to as much as 65km to find a suitable launch site.
Plan A is to fly over the Barossa, but sometimes the weather conditions don’t allow that to happen, but we do have a Plan B, which is to fly over the Murray River.
We know it’s early but now is a good opportunity to get to know your pilot and crew and ask any questions you may have.
Inflate the Balloon
Once we arrive at the launch site your pilot and crew will inflate the balloon ready for take off. You are welcome to join in with the preparation and discover how we get these huge balloons in the air. This whole process takes about 40 minutes.
We Launch!
At about sunrise the balloon will be fully inflated and ready for flight. Jump on board, one last briefing and then it’s up, up and away! Wave goodbye to the crew, they will follow on the ground and meet you when you land. Time to relax and take in the amazing 360⁰ views. Experience the peace and beauty of floating over the countryside as the sun is rising. You will fly for about an hour before landing somewhere down wind.
Landing and Pack-up
Once you have landed your crew will meet you and it’s time to pack the balloon away. This takes about half an hour or so to pack away back on to the trailer. Feel free to join in the fun, or stand back and take the opportunity to take a few more photos. Hop back in our comfy vehicles and it’s back to the reception centre for breakfast.
Barossa Breakfast
We return to our reception centre about 4 hours after we have left. The morning ends with a delicious Barossa breakfast back at the reception centre. It is for our own private use with a view over Penfolds Stonewell vineyards. Relax and chat with your fellow passengers and pilot about the mornings events, whilst sipping sparkling wine and indulging in the best Barossa produce.
- Linke’s Butchers traditionally smoked bacon
- Linke’s Butchers German bratwurst sausage
- Oven roasted tomatoes with Barossa Valley Cheese Co feta
- Sauteed mushrooms with garden fresh herbs
- Free range eggs
- Tanunda Bakery sourdough bread
- Barossa Coffee Roasters coffee
We can cater for gluten free, vegetarian and vegans. Just let us know if there are any dietary requirements at time of booking.
The total time for this experience including breakfast is approximately 5 hours.
What to wear
Bring with you
A few extra dollars for souvenirs that are available during breakfast.
Don’t forget to bring your cameras as there will be some amazing photo opportunities along the way. The Barossa Valley is famous for having some of the most gorgeous landscapes in all of South Australia.
Meeting Location
If you’re coming from Adelaide, it’s just off the highway and very easy to find.
Adelaide CBD is about 75 Km away – allow 50 – 60 minutes drive.
(Take the Northern Expressway then straight up the Sturt Highway and take the Nuriootpa exit)
Important Note
- We cannot fly children under 10 years of age.
- We are not allowed to fly pregnant passengers.
- The balloon can fly up to 16 persons but is subject to a total weight limit. Your weight is needed at the time of booking to manage capacity and availability.
- Ballooning is extremely weather dependent. If the weather is not acceptable for safe flying or your enjoyment, the flight will be cancelled. If your flight is cancelled by us for any reason, (e.g. adverse weather – safety is our first concern and we will not fly if conditions are unsuitable) we will be happy to re-book you at your convenience (subject to availability and minimum passenger numbers met) or refund the payment in full.
- Within 48 hours prior to your flight no rescheduling is permitted. There will be no refund if you cancel during this time period. Gift vouchers will be forfeited.
- Between 48 hours and 7 days prior to your rescheduled flight, rescheduling is permitted (subject to availability and minimum passenger numbers met) but a $50 per person rebooking fee will be charged. Rescheduling fees are strictly non-refundable. There will be no refund and gift vouchers will be forfeited if you cancel during this time period.